Tiller saved the farm. It started out as a typical evening. I came home, fed the dogs, loaded and started the dishwasher and then went out and dug sweet potatoes. I came in about dusk, changed into my lounge pajamas, loaded a DVD and ate a bowl of chili. That’s when Tiller started talking.

Although prussic acid poisoning can occur anytime during the growing season, the greatest risk is usually associated with the first frost in Kentucky.

The primary cause of hydrocyanic (prussic) acid poisoning in domestic animals is the ingestion of plants containing this potent toxin. Cyanide-producing compounds (cyanogenic glucosides) occurring in living plant cells are converted to prussic acid when cells are crushed or otherwise ruptured.

Potatoes are not fattening. They are an inexpensive source of carbohydrates and fiber plus they are fat free. Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and vitamin B6.

Potatoes have gotten a bad name from the company they keep. If you fry potatoes and add lots of butter and sour cream, then they aren’t a healthy choice. There are many healthy ways to prepare the ordinary potato.

I love the way Mother Nature adapts us to her weather with a cold one day and hot the next.

We’ve entered the all-season month. October gives us time to adjust to the coming cold and get all those outside chores done, before we start to hibernate, and we’re not alone. Lots of four legged critters are looking for their warm winter home.

Welcome to October. Let the leaves come tumbling down. Our leaves have started to show their true colors and while they do look beautiful hanging from the trees, the sooner they make a carpet the happier I’ll be. Weather folklore says the longer they hang on the tree, the worse winter will be.

Beef specialist’s at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture usually are very cautious of the recommendation that we creep feed calves however, they believe creep feeding may provide an opportunity this year. If producers are careful, they could cash in.

The slow roll into winter has begun. The sun is rising after 7 a.m. and dropping before 8 p.m., and we have already started to adapt our lives. How many times were you just coming inside to eat dinner at 9 p.m. this summer? Surely I’m not the only one.

We adapt our lives to fit each season. Besides cleaning out our closets to make room for the bulky clothes of winter, we’re probably cleaning out our sheds to make room for tool storage and lawn chairs.